11.13.2015

Angry Reader of the Week: Margaret Cho

"I try to create beauty and laughter and attempt to right the wrongs I see daily."

Good people of the internet! It is time, once again, to meet the Angry Reader of the Week, spotlighting you, the very special readers of this website. Over the years, I've been able to connect with a lot of cool folks, and this is a way of showing some appreciation and attention to the people who help make this blog what it is. This week's Angry Reader is Margaret Cho.

What are you?

I am a Korean American stand up comedian, a multi-instrumentalist, a collector of rare and exceptional musical instruments, a songwriter, a busker for the homeless, a multiple Grammy and Emmy nominee, an author, a talking head on social/political/cultural shows therefore a frequent talk show guest, a thorn in the side for many, a podcaster, an active participant on social media, a survivor of sexual abuse, a REAL BITCH at times, a bellydancer, a stripper, an internet vigilante, an actress, an activist, a queer, a feminist, a person of faith, an allergy sufferer, a traveler, a seamstress, a fashion designer,an insatiable reader, a motorcyclist (esp vintage bikes), a dog rescuer, a divorcee, a fiancee, a lover, a chef, a feminist, a listener, a surrogate mother, a hypochondriac, an overachiever, a conservationist,a marijuana enthusiast, a friend, a survivor, a mega fan (Stan) and avid reader of Angry Asian Man -- and like you Phil, a PIONEER -- a fat woman (and proud of it), an addict, a revolution in tight pants and an easy laugher and cryer. Also slightly OCD -- did I repeat myself? Oh shit I hope not!

Where are you?
I am everywhere -- from Honolulu to Antwerp. I have a home in Los Angeles and I also maintain a small space in an art colony in my hometown of San Francisco with 28 brilliant kids who are about 20 years younger than me.

Where are you from?

My family is from Sokcho, Pusan, Seoul -- North Korea too, but it's been awhile. Half emigrated to the U.S., the other half to Toronto. I was born in San Francisco but moved to Los Angeles in 1991.

What do you do?

I try to create beauty and laughter and attempt to right the wrongs I see daily.

What are you all about?

I am about visibility. I am about change. I am about equality. I am about pointing out those things that are plainly unjust and unfair but are allowed to exist because "that's the way things are." No. I want more from this world. I want more for my own life and for those who will be here after me. I want to leave the world better than I found it. I feel a kinship with the ANGRY ASIAN MAN!! I am about human beings earning the privilege of living on this beautiful earth by honoring each other and the planet.

What makes you angry?

The idea of "post racism." We are not "post" anything. we are not post racism, sexism, homophobia, hate. we are right in the middle of it. I am sickened when people label me as "angry" -- because it's not that simple. I am merely pointing out inequality, which I am angry about but my anger isn't respected like white male anger is. White male anger is considered noble and principled, whereas I'm looked at as a "complainer." Ok, well, I just kind of contradicted myself because I am angry. But still. Whatever.

I am angry that I was bullied for having dried squid in my lunchbox. The kimchee fermenting in my childhood home scared and repulsed my white friends but now white people are all obsessed with Asian food because Anthony Bourdain told them it was good (I must clarify that I love Anthony Bourdain -- it's just that no one liked our food until a white guy told them it was good).

I am angry that two gay men were beaten nearly to death in Philadelphia by a gang of ten, one of which is the police chief's daughter, and only 3 were arrested and will only do a few hours of community service.

I am angry that only 16 states include the LGBT community in their hate crime legislation.

I am angry that after I told my family that another family member had raped me, they said, "oh yes, he raped your aunt." And still allow my rapist to family functions where I am not welcome, yet everyone brags that they are related to me.

I am angry that kids who bullied me at school for being raped come to my shows and sit in the front row.